Robert (Bob) Spry

 

Robert Spry, Jeannette (LeClair) and Ernest Spry’s second son, came into this world on April 17, 1941. When he received his diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis he said “I thought I’d live forever. I may have to rethink that.” He died at home on June 9, 2023

Growing up in Grand Portage, MN he spent his childhood enjoying life with his brothers and sister playing sports, misadventures, and joys of boyhood with the love of his family.

He attended school in Grand Portage through the 8th grade and then in Grand Marais graduating in 1959. He enlisted in the US Air Force and spent 3 years at the Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain. Enabling him to travel to many European countries as well as Africa. He returned home and attended UMD, graduating in 1970 with an accounting degree. While in Duluth he met Delores (Millie) Hill, and they were married on a cold February day in 1968 in Duluth. After graduation he worked in Minneapolis as a CPA. In 1974 the now family of three moved to Grand Marais so Bob could establish his own accounting firm which he operated for 19 years. Sold his share of the firm in 1993 to his partner and went to work for Hedstrom Lumber as an accountant until his retirement. During those years they built a home and lived on Maple Hill and a daughter joined the family. They lived there for 25 years before moving to the big city of Grand Marais.

Bob was always on the move, whether playing sports, running marathons helping people or doing service in his community. Joining the Grand Marais Lion Club in 1975, he served as a treasurer for over 25 years, was on the Lions District Governor’s Cabinet and received the Melvin Jones for exemplary Lionism. He also served two terms on the Grand Marais City Council and various city committees. The list of the organizations he was part of is long as is the positions held in those groups.

One of his greatest joys was lighting fireworks for over 40 years during which he became a certified fireworks operator. He’d ride his segway with flare through town before the lighting of the first firework. It was reported that many a young child fell in love with Bob the Fireworks guy.

Although he enjoyed and played many sports, one of his favorites was curling. He curled on many winning Senior National teams. His wife lost count of how many wedding anniversaries were celebrated at a curling rink. He played his last bonspiel with his oxygen tank by his side. Bob started running at 40 years old and finished 28 marathons including two Boston marathons and placed third in his age group at Grandma’s marathon. On retirement he turned to walking 20,000 steps a day and pickleball.

One of Bob’s favorite sayings was “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional”.

Preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry. He is survived by his wife Delores (Millie) of 55 years. Children Michael Spry, St. Cloud, Heather Spry, Grand Marais. Grandchildren Genace Anderson, Gage Wilson, Michaela Berre. Greatdaughter Naveah Smith. Brothers James (Marie) Spry, Richard (Darlene) Spry, Gerald (Jerry) Spry, Lyle (Laurie) Spry and his favorite sister Phyllis (Pete) Ryden.

Services to be held at St. Johns Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Grand Marais Lions Fireworks fund.